Check Corruption

Bini Dahal

As per the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2023, a measure introduced by Transparency International, Nepal ranks 108th out of 180 countries in the world. On a scale of zero to 100, Nepal received 35 points which indicates the prevalence of rampant corruption in the country. Rising graft cases as highlighted by news reports almost on a daily basis clearly justify it. If corruption is not checked, the nation is sure to go through a worse situation in the years to come.

The National Payment Gateway Scam has become a new addition to the existing corruption cases in Nepal. Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) handed down a nine-year jail term along with a fine of Rs, 230.75 million to Sunil Paudel, who is a former managing director of Nepal Telecom. Paudel is convicted of misusing the national treasury and causing a huge financial loss. He has also been blamed for failing to carry out his responsibility. So, the apex court has ordered for the said amount to be recovered from him. Apparently, that irregularity had occured while procuring the equipment for National Payment Gateway System.

Nepal’s Corruption Prevention Act, 2002 clearly mentions that in the case where public officials are found being involved in corruption, they are immediately suspended from their position. As per the law, the former managing director was immediately relieved of his responsibility after the disclosure of the crime through investigation. Earlier, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) had prepared a charge-sheet for a total of nine individuals on charge of their involvement in the case. However, the court has given a clean chit to eight of the accused. 

National Payment Gateway System is said to have been introduced with the objective of working as a common platform facilitating the digitisation of financial transactions in the country. By including the entire payment ecosystem, the system basically can help reduce cost and fend from risks that can arise within the existing online payment system.  Previous investigations had shown how, despite signing a procurement agreement with a supplier and spending a whopping amount, the equipment purchased were never utilised. It is also said that the procurement had been made without following existing procurement laws. 

This irregularity shows how a country’s national treasury is being misused for personal gains in an irresponsible manner. Such activities deliberately promote bad governance in the country and send a negative message to the general public. It also reflects the carelessness on the part of civil servants towards their responsibilities. Amidst a situation where corruption is so widespread, how can we even expect good governance to be established in the country? Also, such corruption scams not only put the government and the country in a bad limelight but also raises a question about Nepal’s international reputation. 

It is imperative that anti-corruption bodies and the judiciary must make every effort possible to crack down on corruption. Good governance is a pre-condition for investment promotion, especially bringing in foreign capital. National treasury is for the government to spend and invest in sectors that are deemed key to facilitate development in the country. Unless this is understood and practiced, Nepal will not be able to head towards development and prosperity. A nation can attain heights of development through concerted efforts of the public sector along with other stakeholders. The loopholes and issues that remain inherent to the public service must be addressed.